FOR IMMEDIATE
RELEASE: August 14, 2001
Governor, Cabinet Approve Joint
Acquisition
--Environmental and Wildlife Agencies Buy Unique Parcel for Public
Enjoyment--
TALLAHASSEE
– Governor Jeb
Bush and the Florida Cabinet today approved a land purchase that
connects the Lake Wales Ridge Wildlife and Environmental Area with
the Lake Istokpoga Fish Management Area. This $6.4-million parcel,
located in Highlands County, was purchased jointly by the
Department of Environmental Protection and the Florida Fish and
Wildlife Conservation Commission.
In recent
years, this 2,347-acre parcel, known as Silver Harbor Ranch, was
primarily used for cattle grazing, sporting operations, and citrus
production. Although portions of the ranch suffer from
overgrazing, about 91 percent of the property is flush with native
habitat and vegetation. Silver Harbor is an excellent example of
the ecological transition from the Highlands Ridge to the
Istokpoga-Indian prairie.
"The
Silver Harbor Ranch project exemplifies diversity," said DEP
Secretary David B. Struhs. "An archaeological site, as well
as a burial mound used nearly 2,000 years ago by Pre-Columbian
Indians, lies among the dozens of rare and endangered plant and
animal species, including the Bald Eagle. This is a good example
of how Florida Forever funding helps not only to protect our
resources, but to teach future generations about our
history."
Evidence
shows that the ceremonial and burial mound was used between 1 and
350 AD and that these early people traded with other Native
American groups from the middle Mississippi Valley. It is believed
to be one of the earliest burial mounds in this part of Florida.
The ranch
provides vital habitat for several rare animal and plant species
including the Florida Black Bear, Sandhill Crane and Scrub Jay;
the Gopher Tortoise; the Eastern Indigo Snake; Sherman’s Fox
Squirrel; the Wood Stork; and the Sand Skink. The endangered
cutthroat grass seep located on the property is believed to be the
best and largest unprotected remaining example in Florida.
In
addition to connecting two very important environmental areas, the
acquisition also protects more than four miles of shoreline along
Lake Istokpoga giving the public increased access to excellent
fishing and wildlife oriented recreational activities.
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